September Blue

Posted Thursday, September 11, 2008, at 10:26 AM

As the anniversary for the 2001 terror attack is today, my thoughts are upon that day. As so many of you did, I watched as thousands died and were injured that day in New York, Arlington, and the field near Shanksville.

Even the concept of terrorism is so foreign to my existence that I still cannot get my head around the fact there are people in this world that will kill you if they disagree with your views, beliefs, or dislike/distrust your nationality.

I recall the empty and absolutely helpless feeling that I had that day and for many days afterwards.

I watched as the usually stoic and profoundly professional television news anchors tried to maintain their professionalism despite knowing full well there were thousands dead and that they would undoubtedly be personally affected by the events.

I recall trying to get through the day, canceling meetings to go home. Then fixing a bit of supper and later going out on the deck and holding my girls as they both cried about the days events. Repeatedly they asked why and for that one - I had no answer. I recall lighting a candle and saying prayers with them as we sat out on our deck that September evening.

I recall the September blue sky. The blue, that usually calming, beautiful color, which will forever in my mind be linked with the carnage imploded upon this country. The blue sky I looked up to that evening praying to the Lord to give me the strength to try to explain to the girls why this had happened and praying to the Lord to give the families of all who had died the strength to get through each and everyday from them on without their loved ones.

That September blue... may we always remember and may we always be supportive of the men and women who work each day to protect our country and our freedoms. May they be protected wherever they are.